Gotcha Day

April 26, 2009

There is so much I want to write about concerning this trip. As some of you already know, I like to write about Haiti. Part of that is because I never want to forget it. Part of it is because after 4 trips in less than 2 years, it still blows my mind. But I will save those ramblings for another post (or two...or more...whatever it takes)

Let me just say this. These girls were so ready! I'm sure they had no real idea of what to expect. But they were up at 5 o'clock on Sunday morning packing, and they had us packed by 6am. I had no idea where it all was, but it was all packed! The plane was not scheduled to leave till 12:15 so that left alot of time to kill. I don't think they understood that...I think they thought, we pack, we dress, we eat, we go. I killed as much time as possible and we still went to the airport 3 hours early.

Restless & Ready To Go

They passed the immigration requirements with flying colors. With older children, the officers will ask them questions, such as 'who is your Mama?' W. never missed a beat. "My maman is right here" pointing at me. (In Creole, but I caught it all)

This really touched and amazed me. First of all because it was validating, but secondly because her Hatian 'maman' endured a 5 hour car ride the day before to come to say her final good-bye. While there is no doubt they know who she is, and they love her very very much,, they also know I am their mama and we belong together now.

That is something that I will have to write about in another post, so stay tuned if you can stand it.

We waited quite awhile for our flight, but the girls were patient and good. Finally, it was time to board.

On The Verge

We were seated in the last row. If you know me, you know this is not my favorite seating arrangement. The tail gets alot of action, so to speak. It was a cloudy day, and turbulent going out. All the adults, including me, we're sitting, silently enduring the motion, hoping the pilot had it all under control, and that we were not about to die. The girls, on the other hand, laughed and giggled and tee-hee-ed the whole way out. They were so excited about riding on that plane!

Good-bye Ayiati

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To Be Continued....